Apple requests more Samsung chips to boost iPhone 18 RAM and enhance AI against Galaxy S25

Apple negotiates with Samsung to increase production of LPDDR5X memory chips for the iPhone 18 lineup, scheduled for 2026. The move aims to raise the base model’s RAM capacity to 12GB, enabling better performance in on-device artificial intelligence tasks. This strategy comes amid fierce competition with the Galaxy S25, which already features a similar configuration across its entire range.

Apple’s request to Samsung underscores the mutual dependence between the companies in supplying essential components. Analysts indicate that the upgrade addresses current limitations of the iPhone 16, equipped with 8GB of RAM in the standard model, which restricts local processing of advanced AI models.

• Main benefits of the RAM increase:
  • Smoother execution of generative edits in photos and videos.
  • Support for automatic summaries of long texts without latency.
  • Enhanced multitasking in productivity apps with integrated AI.

The initiative follows the iPhone 17 launch in September 2025, which kept 8GB in the base model but introduced improvements in the A19 chip to optimize Apple Intelligence.

Evolution of memory in premium smartphones

Samsung, as the main LPDDR5X supplier, produces 12GB and 16GB modules, suitable for Apple’s request. This partnership allows the iPhone 18 to process features like real-time translation and image generation directly on the device, reducing cloud dependency.

Recent reports show that the Galaxy S25, launched in January 2025, achieved 12GB of RAM across all variants, boosting Galaxy AI with functions like Circle to Search and Note Assist. Apple seeks to align its hardware to avoid disadvantages in multitasking benchmarks.

Altered launch strategies

Apple plans to launch the base iPhone 18 in spring 2026, closer to the Galaxy S26 schedule. The Pro and Pro Max models will follow in the traditional fall timeframe, segmenting the market to capture AI-sensitive users.

This schedule change responds to Samsung’s strategy, which prioritizes annual flagship updates. In 2025, the Galaxy S25 saw rapid adoption of AI, with over 50 million units sold equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The focus on staggered launches allows more rigorous testing for initial models, ensuring compatibility with iOS 20, which will expand Apple Intelligence to more languages and native apps.

AI features boosted by hardware

The increase to 12GB of RAM in the base iPhone 18 will facilitate local language model processing, similar to what the Galaxy S25 offers with Galaxy AI. Features like generative photo editing require high memory volume to avoid crashes.

Independent tests in 2025 showed that devices with 12GB execute AI tasks 30% faster than those with 8GB. Apple prioritizes privacy, keeping 80% of operations on-device, unlike rivals that mix cloud and local processing.

• Examples of practical applications:
  • Summary of long emails in seconds.
  • Automatic caption generation in videos.
  • Integrated health analysis with Apple Watch data.

This configuration levels the iPhone with Android competitors in intensive use scenarios.

Technical partnership between giants

Details of LPDDR5X modules

Samsung began expanding chip production in October 2025, meeting Apple’s demand for 13 million initial units. These modules operate at 10nm, ensuring superior energy efficiency over predecessors.

The joint study on separate DRAM packaging from the chipset increases bandwidth by 50%, essential for multimodal AI. This innovation follows trade sanctions that limited Chinese suppliers, solidifying Samsung as a key partner.

Industry reports indicate that Micron and SK Hynix also contribute, diversifying the supply chain. For 2026, 70% of premium memory chips are expected from South Korea.

Changes in product calendar

Delaying the base iPhone 18 to March 2026 allows full software integration. Meanwhile, Pro models arrive in September, focusing on 48MP cameras with improved optical zoom.

Samsung maintains January for flagships, as with the S25, which included vapor chamber cooling for AI tasks. This temporal difference creates opportunities for cross-promotions.

Manufacturers predict that fragmented launches will boost first-quarter sales by 15%, capturing tech enthusiasts.

Preparation for future demands

The RAM upgrade reflects the shift to mass generative AI, with Apple Intelligence processing up to 36 TOPS on the A19. Devices with 12GB support multitasking across eight apps simultaneously without performance loss.

In comparison, the Galaxy S25 reaches 1,321 TOPS in hybrid scenarios, but Apple’s on-device focus prioritizes low latency. Analysts project that by 2027, 90% of premium smartphones will adopt at least 12GB.

This hardware evolution supports integrated ecosystems, like AirPods Pro 3 with fatigue detection via AI.

Advances in on-device processing

Reliance on Samsung chips resolves thermal bottlenecks seen in the iPhone 17, where long AI sessions raised temperatures by 5°C. With separate modules, cooling improves, extending battery life by 10%.

2025 tests revealed that 12GB configurations reduce energy consumption in computer vision tasks, like enhanced facial recognition. Apple plans to extend this to iPads, unifying the platform.

Suppliers like SK Hynix test 16GB variants for Ultra models in 2027, paving the way for mixed reality.